Weldtec reverse arc springs

[BigJC]

Hi
Long time reader, first time poster.

I am interested in trying to make the rear of my 2011 E150 ride less rough, especially on washboard and double track type roads. I stumbled across weldtec reverse arc springs that claim to address the issue.

https://weldtecdesigns.com/product/wtd-ford-e-series-negative-arc-platform-spring-pair/?pewc_key=363b078bf23c786d5c4ac27f3d5d9833

They replace your flat platform springs with ones that have...a reverse arc. This seems to make a lot of sense. Does anybody have experience with these or input on proof of concept or otherwise any input or suggestions etc ?

I currently have Bilstein 5100's, run 245 /75s and air down significantly for said circumstances.

Thanks for any input

 

[arctictraveller]

Im not sure i understand how reverse arch springs would help. Ive built progressive lift springs for my E250 that really helped. Rather than just a few single rate leaves, ive got eight leaves that are much more progressive, and provided about 4 inches of lift allowing me to remove the lift blocks and, in combination with tuned Fox’s the ride got WAY better. Having said that, washboard is still miserable. Airing down to 15 or even lower is the only way ive found to make it slightly less miserable.

 

[BigJC]

Im not sure i understand how reverse arch springs would help. Ive built progressive lift springs for my E250 that really helped. Rather than just a few single rate leaves, ive got eight leaves that are much more progressive, and provided about 4 inches of lift allowing me to remove the lift blocks and, in combination with tuned Fox’s the ride got WAY better. Having said that, washboard is still miserable. Airing down to 15 or even lower is the only way ive found to make it slightly less miserable.

My understanding is the platform spring "catches" the leaf's in order to deal with weight/load. Replacing the flat platform with a reverse arc spring allows the leaf's to move with less force and use more travel.

To my mind, where I really feel it, is on the rebound as these vans kick. If that's mostly an effect of the leaf pack bottoming on the platform spring and the resulting kinetic energy pushing back up I could see the reverse arc making a significant difference. The problem is I don't know and/or how much of a difference is worth the hassle of replacing them.

Of note, it does appear all the aftermarket leaf packs do away with the flat helper all together and several use a reverse arc instead.

I usually go down to mid 20's in psi. Any lower than that doesn't offer much in the vein of frequency/washboard. Plus I'd be afraid of running my tire off the rim.

 

[arctictraveller]

To my mind, where I really feel it, is on the rebound as these vans kick. If that's mostly an effect of the leaf pack bottoming on the platform spring and the resulting kinetic energy pushing back up I could see the reverse arc making a significant difference.

shocks can control rebound really well and are much easier to install. It took some testing and adjustments with my Fox shocks, but my rebound is totally under control.

 

[BigJC]

shocks can control rebound really well and are much easier to install. It took some testing and adjustments with my Fox shocks, but my rebound is totally under control.

Definitely, but a linear spring rate is easier to dampen.

If I had a van worth the budget, aftermarket leaf packs and shocks from a company like Agile that runes tunes would be a high priority, 100%. Someday maybe...

However, If I can improve a rudimentary system designed for overloading work vans and pickup trucks by simply removing the platform leaf that would be awesome.

 

[Pinchibuso]

I am not sure that there is much you can do with the factory leaves. My original springs each consisted of 4 thick leaves and I would bounce on the freeway nlike a buck board. Deaver Springs in Santa Ana, CA. built me a nice progressive set of packs with 12 thin leaves in each. I also reshocked it with some custom Fox shocks and bump stops. Might be a little overboard for some. Airing down is a must. Otherwise the washboard roads will rattle you and your van to pieces.

 

[BigJC]

I am not sure that there is much you can do with the factory leaves. My original springs each consisted of 4 thick leaves and I would bounce on the freeway nlike a buck board. Deaver Springs in Santa Ana, CA. built me a nice progressive set of packs with 12 thin leaves in each. I also reshocked it with some custom Fox shocks and bump stops. Might be a little overboard for some. Airing down is a must. Otherwise the washboard roads will rattle you and your van to pieces.

Dang, that looks sweet!